After leaving James Hargest College Hunter enrolled in the engineering pre apprenticeship course, Level 2 National Certificate in Fabrication Welding, at the Southern Institute of Technology. Completion of the Level 2 unit standards through the pre apprenticeship course was effectively the completion of the first year of Hunter’s apprenticeship theory requirements and reduced the amount of time it took Hunter to complete his qualification.

The theory elements are taught through weekly evening classes. Once Hunter had completed the theory assessment for a unit standard he was then able to be assessed in the practical elements, provided that he was able to prove that he was competent in the various tasks. To achieve practical competency he had to be able to complete the required practical tasks consistently well, unsupervised, in a commercial timeframe, using safe work practices. This level of competency is gained through practical work experience on job and through a series of block courses. Hunter was employed by Southern Group Training which placed him with Sheet Metalcraft for the duration of his apprenticeship, and he is currently employed by Sheet Metalcraft as a fully qualified Light Fabrication Engineer.n.